Richard Bruton (Dublin North Central, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

There will be specific directed measures as I have outlined for start-up and capability funds directly targeted at the manufacturing sector. In addition, we will be using the funds we have launched, including the seed fund, small and medium enterprise fund, innovation fund and the development capital fund, to target manufacturing companies. Taken together, those funds come to €2 billion of funding supported by the State with private partnerships. Using those funds to address access to finance problems within manufacturing will be important.

I am very motivated to see the national step change initiative rolled out. It is about getting companies to step up their ambitions. Enterprise Ireland companies are really performing well, diversifying the direction of their exports, moving into new markets and improving their technology. While I am confident that we can deliver on the target, it will depend on the international environment, etc. Ours is a small and open trading economy. We have set an ambitious path with the strategy group which remains together to help us implement it. I am confident that we will make an impact.

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